Highlights from the Opening Ceremony

by Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The 47th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival welcomed a host of international participants. The Opening Ceremony started off with a lively performance from Szalonna and His Band and included dance performances and Tuvan throat singing. Secretary of the Smithsonian Dr. G. Wayne Clough opened the Ceremony by introducing the 2013 Festival. Tamás Fellegi, President of the Hungary Initiative Foundation, introduced the Hungarian Heritage: Roots to Revival program, followed by remarks from Tibor Navracsics, the Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Justice. Madaha Kinsey Lamb, Executive Director of Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, introduced Will to Adorn, emphasizing the importance and excitement of the multi-year research initiative of the same name. John Fahey, Chairman and CEO of the National Geographic Society, spoke about the link between language and culture in introducing the One World, Many Voices: Endangered Languages and Cultural Heritage program. George Papagiannis, External Relations/Information Officer from UNESCO, closed the ceremony to a stirring round of applause.